Florida is bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Idalia, a dangerous Category 4 storm that is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges and rainfall. The king tide, a twice-yearly phenomenon caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, could worsen the flooding. Residents in the Big Bend region are urged to take precautions and prepare for the storm, and the Environmental Protection Agency is warning people to be aware of the potential for flooding and to take steps to protect their homes and businesses.